Le Tour considers London return

The Tour de France came to London last year for the Grand Depart

Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme has had talks with London mayor Ken Livingstone about bringing the event back to the city.

Last year London staged the Tour's first stage, the Grand Depart, which was watched an estimated three million spectators along the route.

"London is the first city to host the Tour to boost cycling," said Prudhomme.

"That's why we were so keen to come to London last year and one of the reasons we are so keen to discuss a return."

Mayor Livingstone echoed his comments, saying last summer's event had been "an extraodinary success" for London.

"The first ever London Grand D�part of the Tour de France was one of the greatest weekends the capital has ever seen," he said.

606: DEBATE Have your say on the Tour returning to London

"I want the Tour de France to return, it was an extraordinary success.

"The Tour brought millions of pounds into the capital's economy, gave cycling a big boost, showcased London around the world and gave the city a great sporting celebration."

It is estimated that �88m was spent by spectators, teams and race organisers in London and the South East during the race weekend.